Well, not sure what to say really, had mine for seventeen years....it has just started to cause a problem when switching on, I had to push the on/off button from the left side of the button for it to eventually power up, never a problem to power off though. Well after 17 years of faultless operation I decided to open it up to see what was causing this power up issue, nothing obvious was found but I decided to clean the surface where the buttons are on the circuit board behind the rubber pads. I just used a cotton bud and some switch cleaner. I refitted the ten screws and switched it on....Perfect and back to normal, maybe I'll have to do the same again in another 17 years!!! Great bit of kit, thanks to Yaesu.

Audio is not great. But the radio does a bunch and it is tough. I have the AA pack for it, and I use the radio as my daily emergency radio. The radio is the radio that is carried in my man purse. I keep my batteries out of the radio in a battery holder. I can easily see if they leak. The radios coverage is perfect for emergencies. The size and all metal construction makes it able to survive everyday life in my backpack. I have had the radio over ten years.

Got one from an estate sale very inexpensively. Was marked 'dead' in a sandwich bag with a battery, antenna, and manual. Yep, dead alright. Plugged in my Vertex 12V charger and vola! The display shows 'Charging'. At least the CPU is still alive. Didn't make any difference, still won't power up. After some playing around, I got it to boot, but with garbage on the display. Took it apart and cleaned a lot of dirt off all the connectors and from the keypad matrix. It now power up and after three resets, operates normally. Now it won't transmit. I laughed when I found out why. The rubber pin is broken off the bladder on the side of the case. I tool the bladder, turned it around, did some trimming, and now use the monitor button to key the radio. Not real loud, but good audio. Keys up local V/UHF repeaters on low power. Haven't hooked it up to the test gear yet. The internal LED's work but there's no light. I think it's because they're too dirty and I don't want to take it apart again. Ribbon cables are too brittle. Has amazing broadcast band and short wave reception. I'll keep an eye out for a shop that has a PTT bladder and gasket set.

I remember my first two VX-5R handhelds when i was living in Seattle. I used to have lots of fun, both black, both great handhelds. Fairly good rejecting Intermod, very sensitive, fast scanning of memories or VFos...Tons of features, but overall...great aluminum case, resistant!!!!
I sold both of those radios and went out of the hobby. I came back a year ago and the first radio i bought was a VX-5r,, this time silver. If you come across a good unit on Ebay or anywhere else...Get it!!! These radios are built to last. Mine was one of the last to be produced...Yes!, they are slow opening CTCSS, but DCS is included and works great. Full tested 5watts of power on both bands, not too loud audio, but obviously they needed the space to include of the features possible inside. My volume knob is always half the way...and no more. I don't like distorted sound. Using the AA pack volume is even lower and has to be adusted a little below the middle of the way. Power is restricted on that mode. Li-Ion battery is shared with VX-6R and VX-7R and some other models, including the Vertex Airband portables. I've got the CD-15A rapid charger...Good to go. I had many radios...many...I always come back to my trusty VX-5r...I will say what other people mentioned...If you come across a good unit...Get it! You won't regret it!

I bought this HT when I first got my license. When I first received it, I was surprised at how small it was. I've owned it for 7 years and have never had any problems and am still using the original battery.
I would say programming was a little much. But, not having had anything before to compare it to, I didn't know. Now, it's second nature. I really like the radio. I just hope that the new radio I just purchased works as well and last as long as this one has.

I bought my VX-5 new around 2001, and it still looks good and works flawlessly. The all-metal construction and small size blew away everything else available at the time. The expanded frequency coverage over previous radios was a big plus as well. It was also my first computer programmable HT, which conveniently worked with the same cable which I already had for the VR-500 and free software.

The only reason why the VX-5 ceased to be my primary HT was the introduction of the VX-7, which is still the best HT ever made (and I've used a lot of them). The 7 builds on all of the strengths of the 5, and adds even more. The only area where the 5 has a bit of an edge is that it is slightly smaller. However, it is not fair to rate the 5 based on a later model. For what it is, the 5 absolutely gets a 5!

Bought this unit back in 2000 new. Like the Energizer Bunny it just keeps on working... with no problems. Don't know how long it will keep working but I have certainly got my money's worth out of it. I love the metal case and size, when you hold it, it doesn't feel like a cheap plastic box. The rec and tx audio is good. My only regret is that I didn't purchase a second new one when they were still available. The only other radio I have bought that has lasted longer with no problems is my Icom 2AT, and yes it is still working though it is in retirement and only operated occasionally.

I have had my VX 5R for years now. It has and is a very good radio. While it takes some work to operate and learn I am sure a computer connection would make it easier. Mine has 6 Meters(you have to replace the top of the rubber antenna with an included longer piece) I have not made a contact. I would love to work a 6 meter repeater but I do not think many are around here. It also has 2 meters and 440 mhz! I can also pick up FM broadcast and aircraft! The battery lasts a long time and is used in many of their other HT's. My VX6 uses the same battery. If you can get a VX5R at a hamfest, grab it!

I bought it new YEARS ago. Never missed a beat. On second battery. I bought a 6R, I like my old 5R better. (Not that the 6R is bad) Someone sold a Motorola belt clip that was a huge improvment over the stock clip. I wish he was still around selling those. Great radio.